Solar Panel Mount

[greasywheats]

Hey- Stupid question here, but, I used a HF coupon at my local store that someone posted on here about 2 months ago (its now expired). Seeing as i had to fill out my customer info, can I use this new coupon for another item? Or is it like a one-time new customer coupon deal? Then again, I s'pose I could fill in a bogus name/address.

[asianflava]

I've used it twice with no problems.

[GPW]

Got the HF 45W solar panels (3) ordered , should be here soon ... each panel is app 12" x36"... I might have to make a simple Picture frame with legs sorta' deal for them .. folding (hinged)tryptich would be the best as far as storing it , eh ??? Got the solar regulator too 7A... ought work for one or two DD batteries ... plenty of power .....and I'm still WAY ahead the price of a generator and the gas to run it ... I know Dick and the boys will be disappointed not to get at least some of my oil money , but I'm not the one that made 8 mill last year .... any of you guys make that ???hahahaha

[mikeschn]

I've used coupons there several times... they accept them each time!

Mike....

[bdosborn]

We finally got a chance to try out the panel. It works! We ran our stereo on it at first and it kept up easily. I turned on all the lights and fans and then disconnected the battery. Powered everthing on its own (but wouldn't start everything, needed the battery for that). The next day it was raining so I didn't get to see how long it would take to charge the batteries. I'll post after we get a chance to put it through its paces.
Bruce

[GPW]

OS , that sounds GREAT !!!!! Just what's needed!!!! and no gas to burn .... COOL !!!
I notice the President is pushing Hydrogen now, still trying to sell us something , eh ???? Sun's FREE ... Now that's smart power... !!!!!!!!!
wonder if the oil companies are converting to hydrogen production ???They'll still have us by the short and curlies....

[GPW]

Called HF as to why my PV panels are still not here .... they said 10-14 days , not counting holidays , weekends, Secretaries day (administrative Professionals ) or other such nonsense... won't get it until 5/1...she said...Cool !!!
Have been working on a simple easel mount for the 3 panels (HF 45 W PV)that are coming .... simple wood angle iron looking stuff with a bolt on frame/legs ..(wing nuts ) for easy disassembly ... got eyes in the feet to anchor the frame into the ground on windy days ... making a final sketch to build with ... after I get the panels ...

[GPW]

Got theHF 45W Solar Kit ... This thing is AMAZING!!! .... three 15 W, really nice looking solar panels , a steel frame mount (Nice ) wiring for an external battery , two 5W flourescent 12V bulbs /sockets / wire / plug (1/4" )... all done up and ready to go .... plus a 3,6,9. V access with a 4way adapter... Cool ... the best part is the regulator / brain box is included and actually looks easy to use ...for the price , this seems like a good value ...especially to power a TD , without looking for the old fossil fuel , which has become dear .... Testing will show this to be true or not .... Gotta' get a DD battery now .... and a plastic battery box ...everything else is in the kit .... COOL !!!!

[steve-o]

I played around with solar for ham radio and still have my panel and charge controller (make SURE you use a charge controller. You will ruin a very expensive battery if you dont). I bought some non standard electrical connections so I could keep the panel freed up. I put the male coupler on the end of the pigtail of the panel (about 20' of cable) and mounted the female end into the box with the batteries and controller. That way I can chase the sun with the panel. It was a 40W panel. I had two batteries in parallel and it kept them charged easily for what I was doing. I ran the radio all night with no troubles (running 100W for transmit). I was planning on doing the same thing in the TD. I was going to hard mount the female coupler right to the side of the trailer and then just plug and play.

I hope it works out for you. It is great to be self-sufficient.

For you hams out there...

73 de W0COD

[emiller]

I posted a picture of my solar panel mount on the home page of my web site at www.azroundup.net I bought the 33 watt solar panel from Northern Tool and the mount from solar company in Flagstaff, AZ can't remember the name. The pole is a alumiunum 1'' that I had laying around.

[bdosborn]

Got theHF 45W Solar Kit ... This thing is AMAZING!!! ....

Well, lets see some pictures!
Bruce

[GPW]

Os, Not planning on setting it up till the TD "Bayou Bugout" gets finished . I'll do comprehensive analysis then .... with pics ... on the "shakedown cruise" ...Schmaybe' take a short trip to NewJersey , camping all the way ... Fun Stuff eh ? Hope it's sunny !!!

[mikeschn]

Got theHF 45W Solar Kit ... This thing is AMAZING!!! ....

Well, lets see some pictures!
Bruce

I agree... where's da pics?

Mike...

[GPW]

Come on Guys !!! The Pv panels are gonna' look DUMB in front of an unfinished TD .... and it looks just like the ad photo ,and it's very substantial , like it was made to be outdoors ALL the time ...
I'll hopefully be finishing up all the outside finish stuff this week , then interior, THEN electrical and PV systems .... <30 days left so please be patient for the "good pics"...Thanks !!!

[madjack]

wow. a solar panel and it looks like it is meant to be out in the sun all the time...imagine that .......... madjack